The comic, named ‘Monkey Crew', which launches in September 2008, addresses the concerns of teenagers, including drugs, bullying and sexual health. TBI Solicitors, one of the Tees Valley's leading legal firms, has advised RESPECT in relation to copyright for the comic, and will be working with the charity to trade mark the comic's characters.

Peter Gowland, project development officer for Hartlepool Voluntary Development Agency and trustee of RESPECT, said: “The comic has been created by youngsters for youngsters. The issues it covers are relevant throughout the UK and we hope that it will find a much wider audience. We worked with TBI Solicitors to ensure copyright for RESPECT and, if we can roll it out further afield, any funds raised will be used to support the work of the charity.”

He added: “Monkey Crew will be published monthly between September and November, and if there are enough funds it will be able to continue. It is our aim to make sure as many young people as possible in Hartlepool and surrounding areas see a copy of Monkey Crew. It echoes the mission of RESPECT to help young people understand how to deal with the issues they face day to day.”

Amanda Mitten, specialist in Intellectual Property at TBI Solicitors, said: “This is an original and impressive comic and the young people are incredibly proud of what they have created. It was vital that RESPECT protected the copyright of ‘Monkey Crew'. The ideas and images are what makes the comic so effective, and RESPECT has ensured that it cannot be copied.”

Youngsters between the ages of 11 and 19 have been working with artist Keith Robson to create ‘Monkey Crew'. The storylines have been written by the youngsters, while Keith has worked with them to illustrate the stories.

RESPECT was launched in Hartlepool in 2005 by Barbara Williams. It provides mentoring, counselling and befriending to young people primarily between the ages of 11 and 19 in Hartlepool, Durham, Billingham and surrounding areas.